Ways to Increase the Lifespan of your Roof as a Way to Reduce the Need for Roof Repair in Longmont

May 21, 2018

So you’ve just had a new roof installed and are curious about the ways in which you can extend the life of your roof as long as possible. It’s completely understandable, as the idea of having to replace a roof can be a stressful and financial burden for individuals to have to deal with. As a result, it can be essential to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible. Here are a number of ways to reduce the need for roof repair in Longmont and extend the life of your roof.

Trim Overgrown Trees Nearby

A very common way in which roofs sustain damage is through nearby trees. Storms and other environmental factors can create a situation where a roof can become catastrophically damaged due to a branch falling upon it. By taking the necessary steps to prevent this situation from occurring, you will be saving yourself a ton of money and headache in the long run by reducing risky scenarios.

Not only do you have to worry about a branch falling onto your tree and damaging your precious roof, but branches that hang over your home can allow easy access for rodents, which can create damage to your shingles by gnawing on the roof. Removing these branches is a great preventative strategy to reduce the possibility of damage occurring. This is almost certainly a job you will want to leave to the professionals, so consult with your local trusted arborist to get the job done right.

Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters are known to create a number of problems for a homeowner, including having their siding and paint damaged as well as damage resulting from water flowing in improper directions. Another aspect of clogged gutters is the fact that they can also damage your roof. Water that does not have the space to flow out of your gutters will eventually pool and can wick into the actual roof sheathing, causing it to rot.

This is why having your gutters cleaned regularly is an essential component of extending the life of your roof. This is something that a person can do themselves, depending on how difficult the gutters are to access. But if you need to call in a professional, it’s important to understand that the investment will be well worth it, as the cost of a new roof will be significantly larger.

Keep Your Attic Ventilated

This is likely not something that came to mind first in regards to ways to extend the life of your roof, but this is a great strategy to implement. Having your roof properly ventilated will allow for cool air to enter the attic and also allows for warm air to escape. If your attic accumulates excessive amounts of moisture and heat, it can actually lead to your roof becoming compromised. Moisture can lead to mold growth, which not only can damage your roof but can also lead to compromised insulation.

This strategy can be fully implemented if you install certain types of roof venting near the top of your attic’s apex. In addition, you will also want to have the right type of vents for the lower portion of the attic in order to encourage and increase air flow. Having an attic that is properly ventilated will not only improve the lifespan of your roof, it can also lead to a reduction in your cooling bills during warmer periods of the year.

Proper Insulation Also Helps your Roof Health

When you consider the benefits of adequate insulation, you usually think of the benefits for heating and cooling your home. While this is certainly a primary benefit to having a properly insulated home, it is also important to be aware of the benefits that proper insulation can have in the fight to extend the lifespan of your roof. Insulation also protects the structural components of your home, and this includes the roofing materials.

Temperatures on a roof can be incredibly hot, reaching as high as 90 degrees more than the temperature present in the air. Direct sunlight will heat up a roof in no time, and over long periods of time this can eventually wear down roofing material. While shingles are certainly designed to withstand extreme temperatures, they also have their limits. Insulation will reduce the transference that can occur from roofs to structural materials, which can also damage these structures.

In addition to the aforementioned strategy of ventilating your attic, you will also want to insulate your attic to provide adequate radiant barriers between the heat that your roof receives and the structures below it. Roof insulation can be installed on existing roofs, making it possible to add the needed insulation after a roof has already been installed.

Clean Your Roof

Cleaning your roof isn’t just about keeping up appearances, it can also contribute to the lifespan of your roof. Shingles can attract algae growth, especially through the accumulation of water in various spots on the roof. Over time, this will lead to the shingles deteriorating and having an unsightly appearance.

Having your roof professionally cleaned is a fantastic way to not only keep your roof looking its best but also to have it function at its highest level. In addition to having your gutters regularly cleaned, having the roof cleaned is another helpful strategy to utilize in the battle to increase the life of your roof.

If you are in need of roofing services for your home or office, The Roof Dr. has you covered. We offer both residential and commercial roofing options for whatever your situation may be. We are a Colorado owned and operated business and have been building roofs in the Denver metro area since 1971. Our team of qualified and experienced professionals are there to ensure the job is done as efficiently and affordably as possible. If you are need of a roofing repair or replacement, or you simply have questions about our services, contact us today!